The Nigerian Senate has commenced the process of amending the Electricity Act, 2023, with a strong focus on criminalising the vandalism of critical electricity infrastructure. This move comes in response to a growing wave of sabotage targeting the country’s power assets, and forms part of a broader effort to stabilise and reform the struggling electricity sector.
The amendment bill, sponsored by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, passed second reading on the Senate floor. It has since been referred to the Committee on Power for further legislative scrutiny, with a mandate to report back within six weeks.
Key Objectives of the Proposed Amendment
According to Senator Abaribe, the proposed Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to address critical gaps and challenges that have emerged since the enactment of the 2023 legislation. The bill is designed to:
Criminalise the vandalism of critical power infrastructure, as a deterrent against persistent sabotage by vandals;
Clarify transitional arrangements for transferring intra-state electricity regulatory authority from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to state governments—particularly on issues affecting national grid operations;
Establish a sector-wide framework to guide community engagement by licensees operating within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI);
Resolve ambiguities in the current Act to ensure clearer implementation and effective regulation;
Enhance coordination between federal and state-level electricity regulatory bodies to prevent legal and policy conflicts;
Strengthen financing and accountability, especially in light of a mounting debt crisis affecting generation and distribution companies.
Senator Abaribe emphasized the urgency of the amendment, noting that Nigeria’s power sector is plagued by severe operational bottlenecks and a debt burden amounting to trillions of naira. He described the situation as “mind-boggling” and warned that the sector is “hanging on a cliff,” requiring “immediate and drastic action.”
Senate Leaders Back Tough Measures
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lent his support to the bill, stressing the foundational role of electricity in driving industrial and national development. He rejected public perceptions that senators are self-serving, stating: “People think we are here in the Senate to make money, not knowing we are here to sacrifice for future generations.”
In support of stricter penalties, Senator Buhari Abdulfatai (APC, Oyo North) argued that existing punishments are too lenient, allowing vandals to reoffend shortly after being released. He called for more stringent punitive measures to deter repeat offenders.
Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) suggested that capital punishment be considered for those who sabotage critical national assets, while Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), Vice Chairman of the Power Committee, highlighted the necessity of addressing outstanding sectoral debts owed to GENCOs, DISCOs, and the transmission company.
Broader Sectoral and Policy Concerns
Multiple senators expressed concern over structural and financial issues plaguing the sector. Senator Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, praised the devolution of power rights to states, but pointed out funding and corruption issues within NBET (Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc), noting that some contractors even vandalise their own projects to win repeat contracts.
Senator Garba Maidoki (APC, Kebbi South) criticised GENCOs and DISCOs for ignoring Senate motions and failing to pay debts owed to NNPC for gas supply. He also lamented that electricity costs are now unaffordable, even for public officials.
Senator Sahabi Yaú (PDP, Zamfara North) further condemned the practice where communities purchase transformers with public funds, only for DISCOs to claim ownership and charge for connections. He insisted that electricity subsidies must be retained, noting their existence in developed economies.
Next Steps
With the bill now before the Senate Committee on Power, lawmakers are expected to carry out a thorough review and present recommendations aimed at revitalising the sector. The amendment, if passed and signed into law, is projected to improve legal clarity, enforce compliance, boost investment, and safeguard national electricity assets from sabotage.
